Intersecting Passions: Kelsey Larson ’15 explores classroom and community, science and art.

As she sits alone in Valpo’s art studio, Kelsey Larson ’15 focuses intently on the project at hand, blocking out any other distractions or obligations. Working diligently, she begins to craft a piece that would later serve two purposes — provide enjoyment for Bauer Museum patrons and feed the hungry.

In the spring, Valpo ceramics students created bowls that would later be auctioned to support the “Soup Bowls for the Hungry” fundraiser — an event led entirely by students who organized, marketed, and executed the event that raised nearly $1,000 to support the Northwest Indiana Food Bank. Kelsey played a large role in the event’s success.

“Some of the bowls that the students made were abstract, while others could actually be used as a soup bowl,” she says. “Mine was more abstract, and the bottom part of the bowl was woven.”

Kelsey’s bowl was later selected by professors to be featured in the Brauer Museum’s student art exhibition. She says she was honored that her bowl was chosen for display, but ultimately, she was proud of what the bowl symbolized.

“This project was a perfect extension of how we can use art to have an impact on our community,” she says. “We were given free reign and creativity to produce something unique, and at the same time, it supported a good cause. I was excited to be part of it.”

Valpo is a place where academics and community service naturally intersect. Whether in the classroom or through experiential-learning, students are often challenged to apply classroom knowledge to their roles as engaged citizens of the world. Kelsey says she was not surprised that Valpo would host a project like this within the confines of the classroom.

What did surprise her, however, was her ability to take a course in ceramics while she worked toward a double major in chemistry and physics and remained active in Christ College — The Honors College.

“What I love most about Valpo is its commitment to the liberal arts,” she says. “This is a place where I am able to express my interests in a variety of ways.”

While art and science might seem like contrasting disciplines, Kelsey is fascinated with their similarities and intersections.

“As a person heavily interested in science, I naturally like to solve problems,” she says. “And in ceramics, the artist has to think through what the end product will look like in a three-dimensional sense. Even that is a problem that needs to be solved.”

Many professors at Valpo encourage this interdisciplinary thinking and eagerly welcome students from other disciplines into their classrooms. Michele Corazzo, MFA, adjunct assistant professor of art and instructor of Kelsey’s ceramics class, especially encouraged her to pursue her passion within a department outside her major.

“Kelsey successfully crossed over into the arts to achieve some really sensitive, beautifully crafted, and well articulated sculptures and vessels in her ceramics class,” she says.

This fall, Kelsey will begin a Ph.D. program in atmospheric science at the University of Washington. She hopes to continue her passion for art through local classes and community art opportunities in Seattle.